Out of The Box Awakening

by Theriot, Jennifer

  “Well, I really don’t want to, but I have a final tomorrow, and I’ve really got to study for this one. Sorry, Tommy! Olivia said she would take me.”

  “No, Em, I’ll take you. I’ll come back after I get you home.”

  He kisses the top of her head and takes her hand. Seeing him being so tender and caring makes me feel good. I just knew he was that type of guy!

  She gives Todd a hug and a kiss. “Todd, I’m so sorry about your Grammy. If there’s anything I can do, anything at all, please let me know.”

  Todd tells her “Thanks for coming, kiddo. I know you have schoolwork, but I appreciate you coming with my man Tommy. Take care of him. He’s good people, Emily!”

  “Will-do, Todd. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “Sure thing, Em. Sweet Em. That’s what you are from now on. Sweet Em.”

  I know that the guys all like her because she is in no way threatening to their friendship. She is totally content sitting around with all of them—and doesn’t want Tommy all to herself. That’s what comes when you are secure about yourself.

  Ash and I go to the funeral home and help Todd pick out a casket for Grammy. Todd picks one of the most expensive, beautiful ones. He tells the funeral director that he wants the best of the best. He gets out his checkbook and casually writes a check for everything, so Ash and I figure that he has his finances in order. He picks out a dress from her closet that he wants Grammy in. It’s a beautiful, navy blue knit St. John suit. Grammy definitely had good taste. I tell Ash this suit had to have cost a thousand dollars.

  Todd tells us, “Grammy loved this suit. She wore it to Mom and Dad’s funeral. I think it’s a good one for her to wear, right, Olivia? And I picked out her diamond earrings that my grandpa gave her”

  “Todd, this is perfect!”

  I look at the diamond studs and they are huge! Grammy had a husband that really loved her!

  The staff of the funeral home asks Todd about music for the service and he stalls.

  “Olivia, I have no f’n idea what music to pick. If it were up to me it would be hard rock. Help me pick out something?”

  “Of course, honey. Let’s go with some traditional music.”

  “Oh, okay, whatever you think. Just pick something nice.”

  The funeral is small and private. Grammy, I learn has a name. She is Grace Kavanagh O’Malley. She was eighty years old and died from a heart attack. Todd was given her maiden name as his middle name, which makes him Todd Kavanagh O’Malley. I smile and think to myself that his initials are TKO. A much better nickname than Bert. At the funeral, he is stoic and brave, dressed in a nice pair of jeans, with a button-down long-sleeved dress shirt hiding his tattoos. I’ve never seen him in anything but frayed jeans and short-sleeved, ragged T-shirts. I’m really proud of how he’s holding up. He looks very nice. He’s wearing dark sunglasses, which I suspect are to hide his tears. The guys sit in the family section with him. It’s only natural that the “band family” sits together. Emily, Ash, and I sit a few rows back.

  It is a very nice Catholic service. Full mass, but nice. There are beautiful flower arrangements up by her casket. My kids have each sent a small, simple plant. Lainey sent a rose bush, and the boys sent evergreens. I told them how beautiful Grammy’s yard was, so Lainey and the boys all sent something that could be planted in the yard. Lainey told me that she had talked to Todd, and that he promised he would come visit her and Kellan in the spring.

  All of Grammy’s friends from her street attend and several family members have come into town as well. After the funeral, we go out to the cemetery. Grammy will be buried next to Todd’s folks, in a very pretty part of the cemetery. There are lots of shade trees, and there is a beautiful bench by the graves. On the bench is the O’Malley family crest. At the casket, before the internment, Todd puts the last pewter cross he bought her into her hands.

  “Rest in peace, Grammy. I’m pretty damn pissed that you left me though!”

  He loses it, but Tommy is right there by his side.

  “It’s okay, man. It’s okay.”

  One of Todd’s aunts has arranged with the church to have food for the people at Grammy’s house after the funeral. Ladies from the church have all the food put out, along with coffee and tea. Most of the people attending the funeral stop by the house afterward. Todd comes over and hangs out with Ash, Tommy, Emily, and me, waiting for the guys to get there.

  “I have no fucking idea who half these people are. Un-fuckin’-real! Do I even have to stay here?”

  I tell him that it’s probably a good idea for him to stay. “We’ll stay here with you. It shouldn’t last too long. These things never do as a rule. These people loved your Grammy, and she would want you to do this. Anyway, the guys should be here soon.“

  “Well, how long do these gigs last, anyway?”

  I have to laugh at that remark. Poor thing…he looks miserable, and I think he just wants everyone to leave. I suspect what he really needs most right now is his guitar. Ash and I venture out and go talk to his relatives, who seem nice enough. I sense, though, that the family isn’t very close, and that the family members who came did so out of respect and duty more than for Todd, which is sad.

  Todd wanders aimlessly around the house with his hands on his hips, totally out of his element. He looks as if he is gonna jump out of his skin if the house doesn’t clear out soon. Emily, sensing that he is about to go off on someone, finds him and, mother hen she is, smiles and puts her arm through his.

  “So, will you show me the backyard? It looks beautiful!”

  She winks at Tommy, and he follows as they find a spot in the backyard to hang out—just the three of them. I can see Todd and Tommy laughing hysterically; Emily looks embarrassed. She slugs Todd in the arm, and he pulls her over to him and gives her a hug. He’s probably been probing her and Tommy about any sex they may or may not have had…that would be in character.

  The guys have made their ways outside to be with Todd. Ash and I go outside to sit with the guys for a while before we head home. They’re supposed to play this weekend, and I’m seriously wondering if Todd will be okay to play with them. This whole ordeal with his Grammy threw the balance out of his life, and I can tell that he hasn’t recovered yet. I want to talk to him and see how he’s doing, but today is not the time. I’ll call him tomorrow. The guys all have their guitars and are sitting around playing. Emily is sitting in a chair next to Tommy with her leg slung over his, which is pretty darn cute. These are such a great group of guys and truly good friends…friends Todd needs right now. They are exactly where they need to be. Brady stands up when he sees us. “Grab a guitar and jam with us, Mr. H., come on! Olivia, sit.”

  “Yes, sir!” I reply and salute him.

  Ash grabs one of the extra guitars propped up by the chair and sits down. He looks to me…I give him an “okay” sign, so he smiles and sits down. He motions me to sit by Emily. I love watching them play, and I know Ash loves being around them all.

  Steve asks if someone needs to be inside with the friends and family who came. “It’s like we’re all outside and left everyone inside to be on their own. It that really rude?

  Todd, classic Todd says, “Hey, fuck all those people inside. I wish they’d leave! I don’t even know half of them. They’re not my friends. Shit! Can’t they take a hint? Obviously I don’t want to be around them, or don’t you think I’d be inside with them?” He points to us all… “This is my family. Not them.”

  “Todd, do you want me to go inside and kinda let them know the party’s over? I mean, I could start cleaning up the dishes or something. Drop a subtle hint?”

  “Olivia, if you would do that for me, you’d be my bestie forever, I swear! I’ve about had enough of all this shit. Right now, if I go inside, I’m afraid someone’s gonna say something and I’ll probably go fuckin’ nuts. So, yeah, I need this to be over now!”

  “Okay, sweetie, I’m all over it.”

  I head inside and start putting everything u
p, picking up plates and cups from the living room and asking folks if they’re done with their glasses. That should be a good enough hint, right? When someone takes your plate and glass away from you, I’d assume the party was over…. duh! I smile a lot; make small talk, and head back into the kitchen to throw away the plates and cups I’ve gathered.

  Sensing that the party is over, one by one, everyone slowly makes their way to the front door and leaves. I thank everyone for coming, since I know Todd won’t do it. Someone has to at least acknowledge them. I don’t think the little family that’s here will be expecting any goodbyes from Todd, so I am comfortable just handling it myself. Finally, the house is empty. There is so much food left! I package it up for the guys to take home, making little care packages for each of them. There’s a lot to clean up and I’m really glad when Emily comes in to help.

  “So, how is everything with you and Tommy?”

  She grabs a towel and starts drying dishes. “Oh, my God! He is so sweet! We talk or text every single day. I’ve never had someone who is so caring and sweet. And, yes, I really like him! He asked me to come watch them play this weekend…that is, if they play. Not sure because of Todd and all. But, if they do, I’ll be there. I can’t wait to hear them on a stage.”

  So, this seems to be going really well…

  After we’re satisfied that everything is cleaned up and put back in order, Emily and I go back outside. It’s late, so Ash and I say our goodbyes and leave the guys and Emily to fend for themselves.

  “So, the old folks are outta here, guys!” Ash says.

  Todd comes over to both of us and gives us each a hug. He kisses me on the cheek. “Guys, I couldn’t have done this without you—both of you. At the risk of sounding really fuckin’’syrupy, I just want you to know it means a lot.”

  “Son, Olivia and I—we’re both here for you anytime, you know that. Just don’t be a stranger…I do know where you live.”

  Tommy comes up to Ash to talk about something before we leave, and Todd tells me that on Sunday night he’s going to his tattoo artist Scott to get a tattoo in memory of Grammy.

  “So, wanna come with me? I’m gonna get a tattoo for Grammy. Scott’s designed an awesome tribute. It’s so fuckin’sweet! I thought you might want to come and watch or something. And, if you’re up for it, Scott is just the man to put that butterfly on your ass!”

  “Where are you getting it? Your tattoo, I mean.”

  “On my, ummm, how do you want me to say it?”

  He looks down and winks. “Oh, my God! That’s utterly disgusting Todd! You aren’t, you can’t be serious…are you?”

  He whooped with laughter. “I just love getting a rise out of you! I’m just jacking with you. Seriously, I’m getting it on my chest. Geez! You don’t get your pecker tattooed, girl! Didn’t you know that? Imagine that fuckin’ pain and having to have some dude lookin’ at your schlong for that long!”

  “No, I didn’t know where those things do and don’t go…I only just learned when I met you that guys pierce their penises, for God’s sake! But I’d love to come and watch. Just not sure about my tattoo, though. How about I just come and hang out for a bit? You know, I’ve never been to a tattoo parlor, so guess it would be neat to check it out just to say I’ve been to one. Won’t everyone wonder what an old lady like me is doing in a place like that?”

  “Olivia, you should see some of the old, and I mean old, rode-hard hags that come into a tattoo parlor. Believe me, you are Angelina Jolie compared to them!”

  Me? Angela Jolie? I chuckle. “That’s funny! So, is Tommy coming too?”

  “He’s probably hanging out with Emily. They pretty much spend every waking moment together. Gag! They may swing by, though. If you want, I’ll pay for your tattoo. I have lots of money, in case you didn’t know.” He winks.

  “Well, that’s good to know in case I’m in need of some extra cash, but aside from the money, I’m really chicken about actually getting one. I hate needles and I hate pain, notwithstanding the fact that Ash would probably freak.”

  “Uhhhh…No, Ummm I’m pretty sure Ash would probably bust a NUT if he saw that on your ass! I’m tellin’ you, tattoos are a fuckin’ball-bustin’ turn-on for guys! Do me a favor, just think about it, okay?”

  I tell him that I will. Do I have any reason to be hanging out with a good-looking bad boy in a tattoo parlor? Geez! This is crazy! It’s kind of flattering, though, that the guys think of me as such a good friend and find me easy to talk to. God knows they probably have a slew of gals who would kill to accompany them to get a tattoo!

  We tell Emily and Tommy goodbye. They stand together talking to the guys, turned in toward each other with their arms around each other, like they’ve been together for ages. Emily doesn’t care one flip about being perfect-looking all the time, and I think that’s one of the things Tommy likes about her and is looking for. She’s comfortable in her own skin. It doesn’t bother her hair is messed up or what anyone thinks. I just love that about her.

  I hear a phone ring and see Emily answer. I wonder who’s calling her. Not that it matters or anything, but I don’t think she has too many friends here. She looks upset, excuses herself, and walks over to a part in the yard where she can talk in privacy. She’s pacing back and forth with a worried and scared look on her face and I wonder what’s wrong. I wonder if it’s a family member. Who would be calling her at this time of night? She’s not on the phone long before she comes back where we’re all standing. She has a really worried look on her face. When she sees us looking at her, she immediately changes her expression and smiles, but I know she’s worried about something.

  “Everything okay?” Tommy asks.

  “Yep! A-okay!” She smiles and puts her arm through his.

  Call it intuition, but I don’t think everything is A-okay. I’ll have to see if she wants to talk about it tomorrow at work.

  Ash and I head home, and I can’t stop thinking about Todd, hoping he’s all right. I’m also concerned about Emily. The look on her face was disturbing at best, and I keep wondering who that caller could have been. Ash tells me that he asked Todd about taking a break from the band for a few weeks to get his head on straight. Todd told him that what he really needs is to keep playing, and that the guys and his music are all the therapy he needs. We talk about Tommy and Emily. Ash tells me that he hasn’t seen Tommy this at ease around a girl in forever.

  “She’s a really nice girl, Olivia. I think Tommy really likes her, and it’s nice to see him happy. How did you pair them up?”

  “Well, just being around her, and in talking to her, I thought she was such a nice girl… Pretty, but in a natural way. Tommy’s such a great guy and, well, I just kinda put two and two together.”

  “Well, you are quite the matchmaker.”

  I tell Ash that I’m concerned about the phone call Emily got.

  “Olivia, as usual, you’re over-thinking again. I’m sure everything’s okay. Talk to her tomorrow and ease your mind, silly!”

  Chapter 21

  The next morning I pull into the parking lot and see a black SUV with blacked-out windows parked in one of our spaces, with the motor running. Being suspicious and from Houston, Texas, I don’t immediately get out. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from living in a big city, it’s to be aware of your surroundings. I’ve not seen this car before, and something doesn’t seem right. I sit in my car with the motor running and the doors locked, waiting for someone else to get there before I get out. Maybe the security guard will come around.

  Finally, Emily pulls up, and I wave to her. Something on her face looks like this isn’t going to be good. She gets out of her car, and I do too. She walks up to me. Immediately, we see the guy get out of the SUV. He walks toward Emily and she tells me, “Olivia, go in and open up…I’ll be right there.”

  “No, Emily, I’m not going anywhere. Let’s call the police.”

  “No, Olivia, really, it’s okay. Please, let me just handle this…no police. It’
s not necessary.”

  This guy comes up to her and grabs her arm. He pulls her over toward his vehicle and I’m afraid he’s going to pull her in and drive off. I get my cell phone and start recording this whole thing without letting him know. I hear her talking to him, so I don’t go inside. She moves away from his car and he follows her. I just act like I’m getting something out of the back of my car. I can hear her clearly now.

  “Tony, what are you doing here? I asked you to stay away from me. It’s over. It’s been six months. There is nothing between us. Why can’t you just move on and leave me alone?”

  He pulls her into him and says something to her that I can’t hear. She pulls away from him and points her finger in his face. At this point, I hit the alarm on my key fob, and the car alarm starts going off really loud, which startles him. Whatever she’s said to him, he gets really, really angry, gets back into his car and peels out, skidding out of the parking lot. I have the license number, thank God.

  “Oh, my God! Is everything okay, Emily?”

  “Yes, sorry about that! Everything is fine, really.”

  “Well, it doesn’t look like everything’s fine. Who is he and why is he bothering you?”

  “He’s just an ex-boyfriend, the toxic relationship I told you about. Don’t worry. He won’t bother me anymore. It’s nothing, really. I just want to forget that happened, okay? And, Olivia, please don’t mention this to Tommy, okay? I don’t want him to know about Tony…not just now, anyway. I don’t have anything to hide or anything, it’s just that we haven’t talked about other people in our lives, yet. We’re still just getting to know each other, and it’s kind of nice that way.”

  “Okay, but if he continues to bother you, Emily, you should talk to Ash. He knows people in the police department and can get you a restraining order if you need it. You don’t have to put up with this sweetie…really. Obviously, he’s not right and seems to have a hot head, so if you need our help you will let me know, right? He hasn’t followed you anywhere else, has he? And not to be nosy, but was he the one who called you when we were at Todd’s?”